Dedicated ghats for Chhath Puja and an elevated road worth Rs 5,000 crore from Inderlok Metro station to UER-2 – this is what the Delhi government has planned for the rejuvenation of the Munak Canal.
The project, for which the foundation stone was laid on Thursday, will be completed by the next Chhath Puja, if Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is to be believed.
Gupta said the Munak Canal will be thoroughly cleaned, beautified and equipped with ghats for Chhath Puja. “The canal, long viewed as a symbol of dirt and disorder, will now become a focal point of faith and culture. This project will be a significant boon for residents of Shalimar Bagh, Pitampura, Keshavpuram, Netaji Subhash Place, Punjabi Bagh and Kohat Enclave. Once completed, more than 30,000
people are expected to visit the area daily for walks and recreational activities,” Gupta said.
According to an official statement from the government, the area is expected to “emerge as a major centre for religious and cultural activities”.
“Devotees will be able to offer arghya to the Sun God in a safe, clean and aesthetically developed environment, replacing the unhygienic conditions that existed earlier,” the statement read.
HOW WILL THE REVAMP TAKE PLACE?
Under this project, the Munak Canal will be comprehensively cleaned, with accumulated sludge and waste removed and arrangements made to ensure the flow of clean water.
“Modern Chhath ghats with concrete steps will be constructed on both sides of the canal. In addition, trees, plants and landscaped parks will be developed along the banks, transforming the area into a well-equipped space for worship and community activities,” the government statement read.
Along the canal, between the Outer Ring Road and Inderlok Metro station, a precast reinforced cement concrete (RCC) boundary wall will be constructed.
“The project will include organised boundary walls, greenery, seating arrangements, lighting and aesthetic enhancements, positioning the area among Delhi’s prominent public attractions,” it read.
WHAT ABOUT TRAFFIC CONGESTION?
The project is also aimed at easing traffic congestion in Outer Delhi, for which a new road will be constructed alongside the canal for public convenience and the Singalpur Bridge will be widened.
The government said the elevated road over the Munak Canal, once completed, will allow commuters travelling towards Rohini and Outer Delhi to avoid congested internal roads, ensuring smoother and faster travel. In addition, on both sides of the canal, new service roads will be developed featuring paved carriageways, interlocking tiles and solar lighting.
It said a new double-lane bridge will be constructed near the Singalpur Bridge using modern steel and concrete technology.
“The widening of this crossing will resolve the long-standing issue of traffic congestion between Pitampura and Shalimar Bagh and facilitate smoother access to the Outer Ring Road,” it added.
WHAT DID REKHA GUPTA SAY?
Gupta said the initiative goes beyond canal rejuvenation and marks a “historic step towards the holistic development of the entire region”.
The government further said after years of neglect and unsanitary conditions, the canal is set to be transformed into a symbol of faith, cleanliness and modern urban renewal.
